The Gamblers

This might sound crazy in these wild economic times, but there are folks who have quit their jobs to play cards. Poker is no longer just a game with your buddies over a case of beer on a lazy weekend; now it’s prime time, baby! You can flip on ESPN and catch professional and so-called celebrity tournaments. There’s big money in the game, and there’s even bigger fun, which is really the best reason to play. So if you’re heading out to meet the members of the Miami Poker Society, remember — it’s supposed to be all about fun. And don’t get mad if your pockets are thinner when you leave. The organization began hosting games only in July, and already the Tuesday-night scene at Abraxas Lounge (407 Meridian Ave., Miami Beach) is proving to be popular.

During the no-limit Texas hold ’em tournaments, players compete for bar tabs, and the top finishers receive points toward an enviable grand prize: airfare and hotel accommodations for a trip to Las Vegas, plus a $1,500 buy-in to a no-limit Texas hold ’em event at the 2009 World Series of Poker. Just to sweeten the pot (and intoxicate the players), throughout the evening there’s a “choose a shot of sake or what’s in the mystery box” promotion for novelty poker hands. If you’re a newbie and all you know about gambling is the Kenny Rogers song, the first Tuesday of every month is the evening for you; that’s when the poker society hosts a tutorial. No worries — you’ll know when to fold ’em in no time. Doors open at 8 p.m., and the cards get dealt promptly at 8:30.
Tue., Oct. 28, 2008